DIY Storage Cubby

So, I have had a giant empty space above my refrigerator that has been haunting me since we moved in.  Why on earth the cabinets do not continue over the refrigerator is beyond me.  I’m convinced it was just to challenge my brain.  I have just left it bare because anything I imagined up there seemed to compete with the cabinets or look totally out of place…until I stumbled on this cutie on Ana’s site.

The dimensions on this set of plans were too big so I did have to modify them to fit it above my fridge.  I also used 3/4″ MDF because I had a half sheet left from another project that I will share with you very soon.  Here are the modifications I made:

3 – 1×12 @ 33″ (had 3/4″ sheet ripped to a standard 1×12)

2 – 1×12 @24″

4 – 1×12 @ (about 11 3/4″ but you will need to build the shelf then measure for a good fit)

2 1×3 (furring strips) @ 33″

1 – 1/4″ MDF @24″ x 33″ (backing)

I drilled pocket holes with my Kreg Jig and my 18V Lithium Ryobi drill at the end of each 33″ board.  When assembling the piece, make the pocket holes face up so they will be hidden.

I used Gorilla Glue Wood Glue to assemble the entire piece.  For the dividers, I used my Ryobi 18V nail gun/stapler to hold in place while the glue dried.

I used my favorite cream-colored latex paint to finish this piece ~ Behr Cozy Cottage in satin.  I also found these awesome card holders on Amazon .  They arrived in 3 days!

I chose to back this piece with the 1×4″ MDF.  To hang it on the wall, I located studs in the wall and drove screws through the backing into the studs. (this piece is very heavy because it is made from MDF and this is the only way I suggest hanging it).

Now for the fun:)

I wanted to make this piece not only CUTE but functional!  Who couldn’t use a little extra storage in the kitchen;)

I found these great glass canisters at Target for only $5.30 each!

They are giant and fit perfectly in each cubby!

I decided to fill them with

~coffee beans

~flour

~rice

~sugar

~noodles

~chalk (weird unless you have a chalk board in your kitchen;)

I feel like the empty space has finally met it’s calling and the “monkey on my back” is GONE!  I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this piece and totally wish I could recreate it in so many spaces throughout my house!

Total cost for the cubby was $15 and the tags were only $15 including shipping!  I only used a half sheet of 3/4″ MDF and was able to use the leftover for another project that I will be sharing soon;)

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Thanks for stopping by:)

~Ashley